Robert Haydon Jr.

Apr 8, 1932 - Apr 18th, 2021

Birth Date: Apr 8, 1932
Death Date: Apr 18, 2021
Funeral Date: Apr 22, 2021, 11:00 am
Location: Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery
Print this Obituary

Biography: On Sunday, April 18, 2021, Robert Haydon Jr. (Little Rock, AR), loving husband and father of 2 children, passed away at the age of 89.

Robert was born April 8, 1932 in Perry County, Arkansas to Robert Sr. and Ruth Wilkerson Haydon. Robert proudly served in the US Air Force from 1949 to 1953. He received a BS in Engineering from the University of Arkansas, Class of 1957. Upon graduation from University of Arkansas, Robert had a successful career as an electrical engineer with Southwestern Bell and AT&T. On June 1, 1956, he married Carol Ann Vandiver. They raised a son and a daughter, Robert Wayne Haydon (Little Rock, AR) and Jayne Haydon Smith (Bentonville, AR).

Robert was an avid hunter and fisherman and prided himself on sharing his passion with friends, family, and most importantly his grandchildren. Robert dedicated his retirement to family genealogy, traveling the US and England in search of his family heritage. He was known for his kind heart and engaging personality.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his sister, Margaret Williams. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; children, Wayne and Jayne (husband, Scott Smith), and two grandchildren, Haydon Scott Smith (wife, Whitney) and Audrey Caroline Smith.

A graveside service will be held 11am, Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to University of Arkansas College of Engineering. Donations can be made at https://onlinegiving.uark.edu/?designation=College+of+Engineering

A public viewing will be held from 9am to 4pm, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Ruebel Funeral Home.

Condolences(13)

Don Castlenerry

#13

Jul 6th, 2021 8:23 pm

My parent’s best friends were Bob’s uncle and aunt, Sid and Debbie Haydon. My sister and I grew up thinking all the Haydon’s were family. When I went to college in Fayetteville, in ‘53, Bob and I were “roommates” off campus. After a long career away, we renewed our family friendship in ‘94, and regularly shared lunches in Little Rock. I will miss him always.

Catherine Bellingrath Weiss

#12

Apr 28th, 2021 1:45 pm

Bob Haydon was a kind soul. I am heart broken. Our family was blessed with a cross during his years at Southwestern Bell. Bob could always make my Dad chuckle like no other friend. I have very fond memories of him, Carol, Wayne and Jane. My heart goes out to his family. Catherine Bellingrath Weiss

Joellyn Bailey Sapp

#11

Apr 27th, 2021 1:11 pm

I am proud to be a member of the Haydon family, and Robert is definitely one of the reasons. He and my mother, Reba Haydon Bailey, were 1st cousins. I appreciate so much the work Robert did researching family history. I live in California and when I visited Little Rock I looked forward to enjoying the generous hospitality and great conversation with Robert and Carol! I will miss that. Robert was a very special gentleman and leaves a large hole in the family. My deepest condolences to Carol, Wayne and Jayne.

Uldis Miervaldis

#10

Apr 25th, 2021 5:14 pm

I worked with Bob in 1980 at AT&T Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ after Bob’s international telephony assignment in Iran had been abruptly curtailed by the Iranian revolution. We worked together on international projects for AT&T including a project for Greece. Bob relished international travel, diverse cultures, and new experiences. Despite his family’s hazardous evacuation from revolutionary Iran, Bob recalled his experiences there with enthusiasm. Bob’s equanimity and optimism soothed much stress associated with international projects and proposals. After Bob returned to his home Bell System company of Southwestern Bell in Arkansas, we always stayed in touch despite geographic distance. My wife and I offer our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and his many friends.

Uldis Miervaldis

Apr 23rd, 2021 2:22 pm

I first met Bob in 1980 at AT&T Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ after Bob’s international telephony assignment in Iran had been abruptly curtailed by the Iranian revolution. We worked together on international projects for AT&T including a project for Greece. Bob relished international travel, diverse cultures, and new experiences. Despite his family’s hazardous evacuation from revolutionary Iran, Bob recalled his experiences there with enthusiasm. Bob’s equanimity and optimism soothed much stress associated with international projects and proposals. After Bob returned to his home Bell System company of Southwestern Bell in Arkansas, we always stayed in touch despite geographic distance. My wife and I offer our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and his many friends.

Doug Halbert

Apr 22nd, 2021 1:23 pm

My first connection with Bob was shortly after 1782 when land granted to my ancestor Isaac Halbert, was later owned by his ancestor William Haydon and currently houses Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The next time was when we both went to the University of Arkansas Engineering school at the same time but never met. We did finally met when we came to work for Southwestern Bell within a year of each other and worked together for over 30 years. After retirement Bob initiated a breakfast group that met once a week on Wednesdays for almost 20 years. When Covid hit, Bob and I morphed into a happy hour group on his patio. I will miss our conversations and a good friend.

David Gruenewald

Apr 21st, 2021 4:22 pm

I worked with Bob in the Plant Extension Group (now called Long Range Planning) at Southwestern Bell in the
1970's. In those old days there was very little training available for new engineers. So one had to get one of
the "old hands" to be mentors in training you how to get your job done. Bob was my mentor and he trained me in doing Engineering Cost Studies. He made my time there one of the most satisfying in my carrier.

Len Bellingrath

Apr 21st, 2021 12:56 pm

My heart is suddenly broken. Bob was a wonderful person inside and out. His is a gentle soul through and through. I’m crushed. My favorite memory; Late summer night two adolescent boys throwing rotten tomatoes from the garden over the wooden fence at cars. A car comes through a second time, slams on the breaks and the driver is soon pounding the front door. Bob dispatches the victim and smiles as Wayne and I pretend he’s waking us up when he comes to admonish us.

Walt Haydon

Apr 21st, 2021 9:40 am

My earliest memories of Junior were seeing the care and support of his family when he lived across the street from Uncle Sid and Aunt Debbie near Hall High School in Little Rock. Junior was eternally pleasant and positive, and such a great role model and representative of the Haydon Clan. Remain in peace, we pray. Walter Douglas Haydon

Lorita and Steve Johnson

Apr 20th, 2021 8:12 pm

Our most sincere sympathies and prayers to you and your family. Jayne, the few stories you told us about him were legendary! Please give your mom our regards.

Janis Minick

Apr 20th, 2021 2:02 pm

Bob was my first boss at Southwestern Bell. He was smart, kind and liked by everyone. He left a great legacy to his family. Praying for peace and comfort for Carol, his children and the rest of the family.

Steve and Lisa Isom

Apr 20th, 2021 12:40 pm

We were so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family!

Ed and Becky Ellis

Apr 20th, 2021 10:04 am

Oh how we will miss Robert Jr and all of his understanding of the Haydon Family. We have always been amazed by his knowledge and dedication of finding the history of the Haydons. You could ask Jr a question about the family and if he didn't know the answer he would research it for you. Jr. was such a gentlemen and always greeted you with a smile and laugh. We extend our appreciate for his love of family and always being concerned with each one. He will be missed because we all looked up to him as a "father" figure. Prayers for peace and comfort for his wife Carol and his children Wayne and Jane. RIP Robert Haydon Jr.

Leave your Condolence

* Enter verification code

Top